Foolproof security for Raiwind congregation

Foolproof security for Raiwind congregation LAHORE: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr Haider Ashraf who heads operations wing of Lahore police has said steps are being taken to ensure foolproof security for the annual Raiwind congregation.

The Raiwind congregation will take place in two phases. The first phase started on Thursday after Asr prayers that will continue till Nov 6, while the second will be held from Nov 10 to 13.

In the first phase thousands of people from Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Multan are participating, while those from Karachi, Swat, and Dera Ismail Khan will attend the second.

The DIG said all the participants were being registered through bio metric machines installed at the walk-through gates and policemen were also deputed for security and registration checking.

He said walk-through gates, barriers, barbed wire and sniffers on all entry and exist points were there to ensure foolproof security of the congregation. All the participants of the congregation also have to go through physical checking.

The DIG said 3,000 policemen, including two SPs, six DSPs and 21 inspectors were deputed for the security of the congregation. He said the SPs were directed to comb the area on a daily basis. The policemen in civvies were deployed in and around the venue, besides setting up a special cell, to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.

He said some 700 wardens were deputed to keep the traffic flow smooth and resolve parking issues, adding that an alternate plan had also been made to avoid road blockages during the event.